Behavior of Scaled Infilled Masonry, Confined Masonry & Reinforced Concrete Structures under Dynamic Excitations

This research investigates the nonlinear behavior of scaled infilled masonry (IFM), confined masonry (CM), and reinforced concrete (RC) structures by utilizing and validating two tests from the literature as benchmarks. The validation was based on a comparison with the pushover results of small-scaled physical tests and their numerical modeling. Numerical modeling of small-scale (1:4 and 1:3) IFM, CM, and RC models has been carried out with Finite Element Modelling (FEM) and Applied Element Modelling (AEM) techniques using SAP2000 and the Extreme Loading for Structures (ELS) software, respectively. The behavior of the structure under lateral loads and excitations was investigated using nonlinear static (pushover) and nonlinear time history (dynamic) analysis. The evaluation of the pushover analysis results revealed that for IFM, the %age difference of tangent stiffness was 4.2% and 13.5% for FEMA Strut and AEM, respectively, and the %age difference for strength was 31.2% and 2.8% for FEMA Strut and AEM, respectively. Similarly, it was also calculated for other wall types. Dynamic analysis results from FEM and AEM techniques were found in the fairly acceptable range before yield; however, beyond yield, AEM proved more stable. Finally, the results also showed that the numerical study can be utilized for the evaluation of small-scale models before performing the physical test.

Automated summary

This research investigates the nonlinear behavior of scaled infilled masonry, confined masonry, and reinforced concrete structures. Two tests from the literature were utilized and validated as benchmarks. Numerical modeling and comparison with physical tests were conducted, and the results showed the feasibility of using numerical study for evaluating small-scale models.